Bellflower suspect in critical condition after gun battle with deputies

BELLFLOWER -- A suspect was hospitalized in critical condition today after a shootout with sheriff's deputies in Bellflower, authorities said.

The battle was fought in the 8800 block of Oak Street about 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, said Deputy Lillian Peck of the Sheriff's Headquarters Bureau.

Deputies from the sheriff's Lakewood Station saw a man matching the description of someone who had been reported looking inside vehicles and tried to speak with him, said sheriff's Lt. Holly Francisco. But he fled, pursued by a deputy on foot and another in a patrol car, she said.

After a short distance, the suspect crouched down, got a weapon out of his waistband and fired on the deputies, but he missed, Francisco said. The deputies returned fire, striking the suspect several times.

No deputy was hit, Francisco said, adding that the gunman's revolver was recovered at the scene.